How Ronnie OSullivan and Laila Rouasss whirlwind romance ended in a big break: Pair fell in love at house viewing but never had big old knees up despite long engagement
It had all the hallmarks of a fairytale relationship.
It had all the hallmarks of a fairytale relationship.
He was the erratic genius, a lovable rogue who endeared himself to fans with his straight-talking style and silken snooker skills. She was the streetwise and glamorous Footballers Wives star who supported him through all the ups and downs while forging her own success.
And while it wasnt always easy - far from it - news that the rollercoaster romance between Ronnie OSullivan and Laila Rouass is apparently over after 12 rarely uneventful years will still be greeted with sadness by fans.
The couple famously got together after Rouass was shown around OSullivans home, which was up for sale, by the stars father in 2012.
Ronnie OSullivan Sr mentioned to his son that he had met Rouass, and OSullivan - known as Rocket for his speedy playing style - lived up to his nickname by promptly calling the estate agent, a friend of the actress, to arrange a date.
Rouass was not easily impressed.
Ronnie OSullivan and Laila Rouass pictured at an event at the Savoy hotel in London in 2019. The couple, who were engaged for 11 years, have reportedly split
OSullivan cut a downcast figure as he made his way to his car at Woodford station, near his home in Chigwell, Essex, earlier this week
Rouass, who famously likes to do her grocery shopping at Iceland, raised a smile for the cameras when she was spotted following a supermarket run
When she said he was a snooker player, I said, Yeah, but what does he do for a living?" she recalled in 2016. "Id never heard of him because sport doesnt interest me at all.
Nonetheless, four months later the couple were living together, and in February 2013 they were engaged - as they have remained since, despite an eight-month split in 2022.
This time, though, it really does look like this could be the end, with Rouass, 53, repeatedly spotted without her wedding ring and insiders claiming that work commitments have caused the pair to drift apart.
Ronnie has spent months and months on the road this year doing snooker tours for big money in China and Saudi Arabia while Laila has been concentrating on her acting career, a friend told the Sun.
There is a lot of love between them, but they have been going in different directions and conceded it is over.
Ronnie and Laila make a lovely couple, so the people who know them best are hoping this is a blip like back in 2022.
Seven-time world champion OSullivan has scored a maximum 147 break a record 15 times, as well as winning no fewer than 23 Triple Crown titles
Rouass chats with Prince Charles, as he was then, while a smiling OSullivan looks on at an event at Windsor Castle in 2013
Rouass was first spotted without her engagement ring during an appearance on This Morning in early August
OSullivan shows off his OBE, which was awarded at Buckingham Palace in 2016 following another meeting with the former Prince Charles
If OSullivan, 48, wore a downcast expression when he was spotted getting into his car earlier this week in north-east London, it is perhaps not surprising.
From the beginning, Rouass has been a stabilising influence in the life of the seven-time world champion, whose struggles with depression, alcohol and drug abuse are well documented.
Im so proud of him and think hes very capable of handling his depression these days, Rouass said after OSullivan, who has three children from previous relationships, was awarded an OBE in 2016.
Hes been strong enough to seek help, and brave enough to talk about the problem, and is so positive and upbeat about life.
I do support him - just as he supports me - and its easy to support someone when you know what theyre going through. You know what you should and shouldnt say - its about creating a safety net around them.
Hes under an immense amount of pressure, hes always a favourite to win, which can be hard, and we have to take that on board.
OSullivan and Rouass are seen together at the ATP World Tour tennis finals in London in 2013
He lives a very healthy lifestyle these days and uses exercise, especially running, to help him keep his depression at bay. Its inspiring being with him to be honest.
OSullivan embraced the relationship equally wholeheartedly, forging a strong relationship with Rouasss daughter Inez, who was born in February 2007.
A desire to spend more time with her daughter prompted Rouass to leave her role as Sahira Shah in the medical drama Holby City in 2012, and the willingness with which OSullivan embraced the role of step-father was crucial in cementing the relationship.
Ronnies lovely with his children, we see them often, and hes a fabulous step-father to Inez, Rouass told the Belfast Telegraph. Hes such a good male role model for her and theyre friends who laugh together as well.
Were so lucky to have him. It was key to me that they got on because shes my priority.
OSullivan, for his part, has credited Rouass with toughening him up.
Laila’s just a bit more streetwise than me, a bit more savvy, said the scorer of a record 15 maximum 147 breaks.
Despite an outward appearance of harmony, however, a scene from OSullivans Prime Video documentary The Edge of Everything, released last year, hinted at possible tensions between the scenes.
In a terse exchange following a defeat to Neil Robertson at the 2022 Masters, Rouass assures OSullivan that she would never tell him what to do with his career, but encourages him to manage his self-criticism.
OSullivan replies that he has overcome his demons, leaving Rouass to wonder why he continues to subject himself to the highs and lows of professional sport.
Why does he put himself through it? she agonises. Its, like, so soul-destroying.
Now it would seem the big old knees-up in the East End the couple once hoped for is off for good.
